Postal union files 72-hour strike notice

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has provided Canada Post with 72-hour strike notices. The union will be in a legal position to commence strike action on August 28, 2016.

Also today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, MaryAnn Mihychuk, announced she will appoint a special mediator to assist in negotiations with CUPW.  Canada Post will fully cooperate in the process.

“We hope that the assistance of a neutral third party will help both parties address the real challenges facing the postal service caused by declining mail volumes and increasing pension obligations,” the union stated in a release.

Canada Post remains committed to reaching agreements that are fair to our employees, and allow us to continue to provide affordable pricing and service to Canadians.

The union has not specified whether the job action would result in a disruption of mail and parcel deliveries.

If that does happen, it could come as early as next week.

CUP-W says the notice served to manager contained a list of anticipated job actions — but stopped short of a full-blown walkout.

(With files from The Canadian Press)